Motorbikes for food delivery are parked along a street in Seoul. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — Food delivery app owner Woowa Brothers’ decision to bar individuals with criminal records from working as delivery personnel has ignited a controversy.
The company recently revised its terms and conditions for apps used by delivery riders, implementing a policy that prohibits individuals with a history of criminal offenses, particularly those involving children or drugs, from applying for employment.
Furthermore, the company expects its delivery personnel to maintain a clean criminal record throughout the duration of their contract.
The decision comes after a rise in negative public opinion against delivery riders who have reportedly committed sexual crimes against women.
Given the nature of delivery jobs, employees may have access to sensitive information such as customers’ home addresses and contact information.
They also enter into frequent contact with customers, and the rising number of single-person households and midnight deliveries has also contributed to the company making the decision.
“All delivery personnel will be treated as potential criminals if there are no restrictions,” said an official at the Korea Confederation of Trade Unions.
Some, however, argued that limiting the freedom of occupation based on criminal records only reflects the already negative perception towards delivery personnel.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
